The gala was over.
Elara had thought surviving the public appearance yesterday was the hardest part.
She was wrong.
Walking through the mansion's grand hallway, she almost collided with Mr. Adrian Kane, Lucien's business associate. Handsome, charming, and, most importantly, dangerously interested in her.
"Miss Vance," he said smoothly, bowing slightly. "You looked stunning last night."
Her cheeks flushed. "Thank you… Mr. Kane."
Lucien's presence behind her made her freeze.
He didn't speak at first. He just watched. Eyes narrowed. Jaw tight.
Her pulse quickened. Not from fear. From knowing that look.
Adrian smiled. "You've got quite the husband, Miss Vance. Lucky girl."
Lucien's hand shot out, gripping her wrist just enough to stop her from stepping back.
"Excuse me?" His voice was calm… terrifyingly calm.
Adrian's smile faltered. "Uh… just saying you're lucky."
"Lucky?" Lucien repeated, each syllable deliberate. "Do you mean lucky that she's mine? Or lucky that you still try to flirt with her?"
Elara froze. Heat rushed to her cheeks.
Adrian stumbled. "I—I didn't mean anything—"
Lucien's grip tightened. Elara felt the strength in his hand, the warning in his gaze.
"You understand, Mr. Kane," Lucien continued, low and dangerous, "she is my wife. And anyone who disrespects that will answer to me directly."
The word wife hit her like a lightning bolt. His possessiveness… it was terrifying. And yet, oddly… comforting.
Adrian gulped. "Understood." He backed away quickly.
Lucien released her hand and leaned in, just enough so she could feel the heat from his body.
"Do you understand?" His voice was soft, almost intimate, but with an edge that made her stomach twist.
"Yes," she whispered.
He straightened, composure returning, but his eyes never left hers.
Later, alone in her room, Elara's hands trembled as she replayed the encounter.
Lucien's grip. His voice. The way he claimed her without a single word of intimacy.
Her chest tightened.
She hated that it made her pulse race.
She hated that she wanted more.
And she hated that he seemed to know it.
Outside, the city lights flickered. Inside, the mansion was quiet.
But Elara couldn't shake the feeling that tonight, the battle for her heart had officially begun—and she might already be losing.